Apparel item with integrated parachute structure

ABSTRACT

Aspects herein provide for an apparel item having an integrated parachute structure and a set of intake ducts. The parachute structure is configured to transition from a first slack state to a second inflated state subsequent to air entering the set of intake ducts incident to ground locomotion of the wearer thereby increasing air resistance to wearer movement.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application having attorney docket number NIKE.266817/150790US02and entitled “Apparel Item with Integrated Parachute Structure” claimspriority to U.S. Prov. App. No. 62/277,132, entitled “Apparel Item withIntegrated Parachute Structure,” and filed Jan. 11, 2016. The entiretyof the aforementioned application is incorporated by reference herein.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in asimplified form that are further described below in the DetailedDescription. This Summary is not intended to identify key features oressential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended tobe used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subjectmatter. The present invention is defined by the claims.

At a high level, aspects herein are directed to an apparel item havingan integrated parachute structure(s) and integrated intake ducts. Inexemplary aspects, the intake ducts are configured to capture andchannel air into the apparel item and into the integrated parachutestructure causing the parachute structure to transition from a firstslack state to a second inflated state. When inflated, the parachutestructure increases air resistance to, for instance, ground locomotionof the wearer. Thus, when used as a training accessory, the apparel itemdescribed herein may cause the wearer to exert greater effort duringtraining with improved performance benefits when competing. Moreover,the parachute structure is integrated into the apparel item in such away as to not interfere with the wearer's cadence, gait, or form.

The apparel item as described herein may take the form of an apparelitem for an upper torso of a wearer and/or an apparel item for a lowertorso of a wearer. For instance, when configured as an apparel item foran upper torso of a wearer, the apparel item may be in the form of avest or shirt having at least a back panel and sleeve openings. Intakeducts may be located on the sides of the shirt underneath or inferior tothe sleeve openings and/or on the shoulder portions of the shirt. Theshirt may further comprise a second back panel that overlays or ispositioned adjacent to the shirt's back panel. The intake ducts are influid communication with a space formed between the second back paneland the shirt's back panel, where the intake ducts each comprise anopening that is oriented to face in an anterior or forward directionwhen the shirt is worn. When the wearer begins ground locomotion,ambient air is channeled into the space between the back panels via theintake ducts and rapid insufflation of the second back panel occurs.When inflated, the second back panel acts like a parachute to increasedrag on the shirt and to cause the wearer to expend greater effort whenrunning or sprinting. When the wearer slows down or stops groundlocomotion, air within the space between the back panels passively exitsvia at least the intake ducts, and the second back panel transitionsback to a slack state thereby reducing drag on the shirt.

In another exemplary aspect, the apparel item may be formed in whole orin part from a material that is substantially impervious to air (e.g.,is wind resistant). The apparel item, when in the form of a jacket orshirt, may comprise a plurality of slits located at least on the frontand/or sides of the jacket, and/or along sleeve portions of the jacket,where the slits are in fluid communication with a space formed betweenthe inner-facing surface of the jacket and the wearer's body. The backpanel of the jacket, along with the sleeve portions of the jacket, maybe configured to transition from a first slack state to a secondinflated state subsequent to air entering the jacket via the pluralityof slits. Once inflated, the back panel and/or sleeve portions act toincrease drag on the jacket and may cause the wearer to expend greatereffort during running or sprinting exercises. Moreover, by forming thejacket from a material that is substantially impermeable to air, theback panel and/or sleeve portions are better able to maintain itsinflated state during locomotion by the wearer (i.e., air is preventedfrom leaking through the back panel). When locomotion slows or ceases,air within the jacket may passively exit via the plurality of slitscausing the back panel and/or the sleeve portions to transition back tothe slack or un-inflated state. It is further contemplated herein, thatthis configuration may be embodied in the form of a pant where theplurality of slits are located over the front portion of the pant, andthe back portion of the pant is configured to transition from a slackstate to an inflated state upon air flowing through the plurality ofslits.

Continuing, in yet another exemplary aspect, the apparel item may beconfigured as an apparel item for a lower torso of a wearer such as apair of pants or shorts. The leg portions of the pant or short may eachcomprise a second panel that overlays the panel that helps to form theleg portions. More specifically, the second panels may be positionedover the posterior face of the leg portions to create a space betweenthe second panels and the panels that form the leg portions. Inexemplary aspects, a set of intake ducts may be located along the sidesof the leg portions, where each intake duct has an opening that isoriented to face in an anterior or forward direction when the pant orshort is worn. Once the wearer begins ground locomotion, air is capturedand channeled into the space formed between the second panels and thepanels forming the leg portions via the intake ducts causing the secondpanels to transition from a slack state to an inflated state. Onceinflated, the second panels act to increase drag on the pant or short.When ground locomotion slows or ceases, air passively exits via, forinstance, the intake ducts, and the second panels transition back to theslack state.

The configuration described above for the pant may also be in the formof sleeve portions where the second panels are positioned over theposterior aspect of the sleeve portions. The intake ducts may be locatedalong the lateral sides of the sleeve portions such that the ductopenings are oriented to face in an anterior direction when the sleeveportions are worn. Once the wearer begins ground locomotion, air iscaptured and channeled into the space formed between the second panelsand the panels forming the sleeve portions via the intake ducts causingthe second panels to transition from a slack state to an inflated state.Once inflated, the second panels act to increase drag. When groundlocomotion slows or ceases, air passively exits via, for instance, theintake ducts, and the second panels transition back to the slack state.

The apparel items described herein (e.g., shirts, vests, jackets, pants,shorts, and sleeve portions) may be worn by themselves or in combinationto provide varying levels of air resistance. For instance, the shirt,jacket, or sleeve portions described herein may be worn with the pant(s)described herein to provide an increased level of air resistance ascompared to the shirt, jacket, or sleeve portions being worn without thepant(s) or the pant(s) being worn without the shirt, jacket, or sleeveportions.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Examples of the present invention are described below with reference tothe attached drawings figures, wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates a front view of an exemplary shirt having anintegrated parachute structure in accordance with aspects herein;

FIG. 2A illustrates a right side view of the exemplary shirt having theintegrated parachute structure of FIG. 1 where the parachute structureis in a slack state in accordance with aspects herein;

FIG. 2B illustrates a right side view of the exemplary shirt having theintegrated parachute structure of FIG. 1 where the parachute structureis in an inflated state in accordance with aspects herein;

FIG. 3 illustrates a back view of the exemplary shirt having theintegrated parachute structure of FIG. 1 in accordance with aspectsherein;

FIG. 4 illustrates a close-up view of a set of intake ducts located onside portions of the shirt of FIG. 1 in accordance with aspects herein;

FIG. 5 illustrates a close-up view of a set of intake ducts located onshoulder portions of the shirt of FIG. 1 in accordance with aspectsherein;

FIG. 6 illustrates a cut-away view of the set of intake ducts shown inFIG. 4 in accordance with aspects herein;

FIG. 7 illustrates a back perspective view of the exemplary shirt havingthe integrated parachute structure of FIG. 1 with a portion of theparachute structure cut away in accordance with aspects herein;

FIG. 8 illustrates a front view of an exemplary pant having anintegrated parachute structure in accordance with aspects herein;

FIG. 9A illustrates a right side view of the exemplary pant having theintegrated parachute structure of FIG. 8 where the parachute structureis in a slack state in accordance with aspects herein;

FIG. 9B illustrates a right side view of the exemplary pant having theintegrated parachute structure of FIG. 8 where the parachute structureis in an inflated state in accordance with aspects herein;

FIG. 10 illustrates a back view of the exemplary pant having theintegrated parachute structure of FIG. 8 in accordance with aspectsherein;

FIG. 11 illustrates a back view of the exemplary pant having theintegrated parachute structure of FIG. 8 with a portion of the parachutestructure cut away in accordance with aspects herein;

FIG. 12 illustrates a front view of an exemplary jacket having anintegrated parachute structure in accordance with aspects herein;

FIG. 13A illustrates a side view of the exemplary jacket having theintegrated parachute structure of FIG. 12 where the parachute structureis in a slack state in accordance with aspects herein;

FIG. 13B illustrates a side view of the exemplary jacket having theintegrated parachute structure of FIG. 12 where the parachute structureis in an inflated state in accordance with aspects herein;

FIG. 14 illustrates a back view of the exemplary jacket having theintegrated parachute structure of FIG. 12 in accordance with aspectsherein;

FIG. 15 illustrates a close-up view of a plurality of intake slits inaccordance with aspects herein;

FIG. 16 illustrates a back perspective view of the exemplary jackethaving the integrated parachute structure of FIG. 12 with a portion ofthe parachute structure cut away in accordance with aspects herein;

FIG. 17 illustrates a front view of an exemplary pant having anintegrated parachute structure in accordance with aspects herein;

FIG. 18 illustrates a back view of the exemplary pant having theintegrated parachute structure of FIG. 17 in accordance with aspectsherein;

FIG. 19A illustrates a side view of the exemplary pant having theintegrated parachute structure of FIG. 17 where the parachute structureis in a slack state in accordance with aspects herein;

FIG. 19B illustrates a side view of the exemplary pant having theintegrated parachute structure of FIG. 17 where the parachute structureis in an inflated state in accordance with aspects herein;

FIG. 20 illustrates a front view of an exemplary sleeve portion havingan integrated parachute structure in accordance with aspects herein;

FIG. 21A illustrates a right side view of the exemplary sleeve portionhaving the integrated parachute structure of FIG. 20 where the parachutestructure is in a slack state in accordance with aspects herein;

FIG. 21B illustrates a right side view of the exemplary sleeve portionhaving the integrated parachute structure of FIG. 20 where the parachutestructure is in an inflated state in accordance with aspects herein; and

FIG. 22 illustrates a back view of the exemplary sleeve portion havingthe integrated parachute structure of FIG. 20 with a portion of theparachute structure cut away in accordance with aspects herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The subject matter of the present invention is described withspecificity herein to meet statutory requirements. However, thedescription itself is not intended to limit the scope of thisdisclosure. Rather, the inventors have contemplated that the disclosedor claimed subject matter might also be embodied in other ways, toinclude different steps or combinations of steps similar to the onesdescribed in this document, in conjunction with other present or futuretechnologies. Moreover, although the terms “step” and/or “block” mightbe used herein to connote different elements of methods employed, theterms should not be interpreted as implying any particular order amongor between various steps herein disclosed unless and except when theorder of individual steps is explicitly stated.

Aspects herein relate to an apparel item having an integrated intakeduct system and an integrated parachute structure(s). The apparel itemdescribed herein may take the form of a shirt, a vest, a jacket, a pant,a short, or sleeve portions. The duct system is configured to captureand channel air into the parachute structure causing the parachutestructure to transition from a first slack state to a second inflatedstate. When in the second inflated state, the parachute structureproduces increased air resistance to wearer movement causing the wearerto expend additional effort. Thus, the apparel item described herein maybe a useful training tool for athletes, causing the athletes to exertadditional effort when wearing the apparel item during training sessionsresulting in performance benefits when competing.

In exemplary aspects, the integrated parachute structure and the intakeducts are positioned on the apparel item so as not to interfere with thewearer's movements, cadence, or gait. For instance, the parachutestructure is generally positioned on a posterior face of the apparelitem, and the intake ducts are generally positioned on the side or frontportions of the apparel item. In exemplary aspects, each intake duct maycomprise an opening, and the opening may be oriented to face in ananterior or forward direction when the apparel item is in an as-wornconfiguration. Because of this positioning, ambient air that istraveling over the front of the wearer is captured by the intake ducts.The intake ducts are configured or oriented to transport the capturedair in a posterior direction in order to inflate the parachute structurelocated on the posterior face of the apparel item. By configuring theapparel item as described, the wearer retains full movement of his orher extremities and the parachute structure is prevented from generallyinterfering with the wearer's movements.

As used throughout this disclosure, the term “integrated duct system”and “integrated parachute structure” may mean that the respectivesystems or structures are integrated into the apparel item as opposed tosome traditional training parachute training systems that compriseseparate elements that are removably attached to the wearer via a beltor harness system. For instance, the term “integrated” may mean that theduct system and/or the parachute structure may form one or more portionsof the apparel item. As an example, it is contemplated herein that theparachute structure may form at least in part the back panel of ajacket, shirt, or pant, and/or the intake ducts may form at least inpart side portions of the apparel item or even sleeve portions of theapparel item.

As further used throughout this disclosure, the term “front panel” meansa panel that is adapted to cover a front area of a wearer when theapparel item is worn, and the term “back panel” means a panel that isadapted to cover a back area of a wearer when the apparel item is worn.The front panel and the back panel may, in exemplary aspects, comprisetwo or more separate panels, or, alternatively, the front panel and theback panel may comprise a unitary panel. Any and all aspects, and anyvariation thereof, are contemplated as being within the scope herein.

Continuing, the term “as-worn configuration” or “worn” means the apparelitem as worn by a wearer standing in anatomical position as that term isknown in the art. Further, terms such as “anterior,” “posterior,”“lateral,” “medial,” “superior,” “inferior,” and “mid-auxiliary” aremeant to be given their common anatomical meanings and are used withrespect to the apparel item being in the as-worn configuration. The term“fluid communication” means a generally unobstructed flow path for airor other gases. Continuing, the term “affixing” or “coupling” maycomprise releasably affixing two items together via, for instance,buttons, snaps, zippers, hook-and-loop fasteners, and the like, and mayalso comprise permanently affixing two items together via, for example,stitching, bonding, adhesives, welding, and the like. Any and allaspects, and any variation thereof, are contemplated as being within thescope herein.

Turning now to FIG. 1, FIG. 1 illustrates a front view of an exemplaryapparel item 100 having an integrated parachute structure in accordancewith aspects herein. As shown, the apparel item 100 is in the form of asleeveless vest with a zippered front. However, it is contemplatedherein that the apparel item 100 may be in the form of a vest withfull-length sleeves or partial sleeves, a jacket with full-lengthsleeves or partial sleeves, or a shirt (sleeveless, half sleeves,quarter sleeves, three-quarter sleeves, or full-length sleeves) withouta zippered front. Moreover, it is contemplated herein that the apparelitem 100 may comprise additional features not shown in FIG. 1 such aspockets and/or a hood. Any and all aspects, and any variation thereof,are contemplated as being within the scope herein.

As depicted in FIG. 1, the apparel item 100 comprises a first frontpanel 110 and a second front panel 112 that are releasably affixed toone another by a zipper-type mechanism 114. The apparel item 100 furthercomprises a first sleeve opening 116 and a second sleeve opening 118.The first and second front panels 110 and 112 may be formed from a wovenmaterial, a knitted material, or a combination of woven and knitmaterials. In exemplary aspects, the textile material may be selectedfor athletic wear. For instance, the textile material used to form thefirst and second front panels 110 and 112 may exhibitmoisture-management properties (i.e., a fabric's ability to movemoisture from one surface of the fabric to the opposite surface of thefabric), stretch properties, and/or varying levels of air permeability.

As shown in FIG. 1, the apparel item 100 further comprises a first setof intake ducts 120 and a second set of intake ducts 122. In exemplaryaspects, the first set of intake ducts 120 are generally positionedinferior to the first sleeve opening 116 and the second sleeve opening118. In one exemplary aspect, the first set of ducts 120 may bepositioned generally along mid-auxiliary lines of the apparel item 100.The second set of intake ducts 122 is generally positioned at a shoulderregion of the apparel item 100. For example, the second set of intakeducts 122 may be positioned superior to the first sleeve opening 116 andsuperior to the second sleeve opening 118 on either side of a necklineopening of the apparel item 100.

Both the first and second sets of intake ducts 120 and 122 may be formedfrom a material or textile that is substantially impermeable to air(e.g., is wind resistant). Exemplary materials may comprise tightlyknitted or woven fabrics, fabrics treated with a waterproof membranesuch as polytetrafluorethylene (PTFE), polyurethane materials, rubbermaterials, plastic materials, and the like. As used throughout thisdisclosure, the term “resistant to air” or “wind resistant,” means thatthe material has a Cubic Feet per Minute (CFM) rating or value of 40,30, 20, or less, where this number indicates how many cubic feet of aircan pass through the material per minute.

In exemplary aspects, the materials used to form the first and secondset of intake ducts 120 and 122 may also be resistant to water. Forexample, the materials may be treated with a durable water repellant(DWR) finish. Additionally, in exemplary aspects, the material used toform the first and second set of intake ducts 120 and 122 may comprise alightweight or ultra-lightweight fabric so as not to appreciablyincrease the weight of the apparel item 100. In exemplary aspects, thematerial used to form the first and second sets of intake ducts 120 and122 may have a weight between 20 g/m²(gsm) to 60 gsm, between 30 gsm to45 gsm, or between 35 gsm and 43 gsm, although weights above and belowthese values are contemplated herein. Any and all aspects, and anyvariation thereof, are contemplated as being within the scope herein.

With respect to the first set of intake ducts 120, in exemplary aspects,the first set of intake ducts 120 may comprise multiple intake ducts asshown in FIG. 1 where each duct 120 comprises an opening that isoriented to face in an anterior or forward direction when the apparelitem 100 is in an as-worn configuration. For example, with respect tothe first set of intake ducts 120 located inferior to the first sleeveopening 116, the first set of intake ducts 120 may comprise an inner ormore medial set of intake ducts 124, and an outer or more lateral set ofintake ducts 126. The discussion regarding the medial intake ducts 124and the lateral intake ducts 126 is equally applicable to the first setof intake ducts 120 located inferior to the second sleeve opening 118.

In exemplary aspects, the medial intake ducts 124 may comprise oneintake duct or multiple intake ducts, although it is contemplated hereinthat the apparel item 100 may not comprise a medial set of intake ducts124. In one aspect, and as will be explained in greater depth below, themedial intake ducts 124 may be formed by partially overlapping thepanels used to form the ducts 124 such that the resulting ductspartially overlap one another. However, it is further contemplatedherein, that the panels used to form the medial intake ducts 124 may notbe overlapped such that each duct 124 is distinct and does not overlapan adjacent duct 124. In an optional aspect, the edges of the openingsof the medial intake ducts 124 (shown en face in FIG. 1) may bereinforced with, for example, a seam tape or other type of stiffeningmember to help maintain the intake ducts 124 in an open, or partiallyopen, configuration. This may be particularly useful when the medialintake ducts 124 are formed from a lightweight or ultra-lightweightmaterial as this material has a tendency to collapse onto itself andlacks structure. Any and all aspects, and any variation thereof, arecontemplated as being within the scope herein.

Regarding the lateral set of intake ducts 126, as discussed, the lateralintake ducts 126 are positioned external or lateral to the medial intakeducts 124. In an exemplary aspect, the lateral intake ducts 126 maycomprise a single intake duct with an opening that spans the openings ofthe medial intake ducts 124. This exemplary aspect is shown in FIG. 4which illustrates a front plan view of the medial intake ducts 124 andthe lateral intake duct 126. As shown in FIG. 4, the opening of thelateral intake duct 126 spans the openings of the medial intake ducts124. Moreover, FIG. 4 illustrates how the medial intake ducts 124 may beformed such that they partially overlap one another.

Returning to FIG. 1, it is contemplated herein that the lateral intakeducts 126 may comprise more than a single duct. For instance, thelateral intake ducts 126 may comprise two ducts, three ducts, fourducts, or more. Moreover, it is contemplated herein, that the apparelitem 100 may not comprise the lateral set of intake ducts 126, and,instead, may just comprise the medial set of intake ducts 124. Any andall aspects, and any variation thereof, are contemplated as being withinthe scope herein. Similar to the medial intake ducts 124, the edges ofthe openings of the lateral intake ducts 126 (shown en face in FIG. 1)may be reinforced with, for example, a seam tape or other type ofstiffening member to help maintain the intake ducts 126 in an open, orpartially open, configuration.

The apparel item 100 may optionally comprise the second set of intakeducts 122 located superior to the first and second sleeve openings 116and 118 at a shoulder region of the apparel item 100. Although shown asa single duct opening at each shoulder region, it is contemplated hereinthat the second set of intake ducts 122 may comprise multiple ducts(two, three, four, and the like) at each shoulder region of the apparelitem 100. Each duct of the second set of intake ducts 122 comprises anopening that is oriented to face anteriorly or forward when the apparelitem 100 is worn. Similar to the first set of intake ducts 120, theopenings of the second set of intake ducts 122 may be reinforced with aseam tape or other type of stiffening member to maintain the intakeducts 122 in an open or partially open state. FIG. 5 illustrates a frontplan view of one of the second set of intake ducts 122.

Turning now to FIG. 2A, FIG. 2A depicts a right side view of the apparelitem 100 when the apparel item's parachute structure 212 is in a slackstate in accordance with aspects herein. A left side view of the apparelitem 100 would generally disclose the same features. As shown in FIG.2A, the apparel item 100 further comprises a back panel 210 (shown bythe dashed line to indicate it is hidden from view) and a parachutestructure 212 overlaying or positioned adjacent to the back panel 210.The back panel 210 may comprise a separate panel from the first andsecond front panels 110 and 112 and may be coupled to the first andsecond front panels 110 and 112 either directly or via one or more sidepanels, gussets, or shoulder panels. In another exemplary aspect, theback panel 210 may be integrally formed with the front panels 110 and112 via, for instance, a knitting or weaving process. Any and allaspects, and any variation thereof, are contemplated as being within thescope herein. In either regard, the back panel 210 along with the firstand second front panels 110 and 112 may help to define in whole or inpart a neckline opening, the first and second sleeve openings 116 and118, and a waist opening for the apparel item 100. The back panel 210may be formed from a woven material, a knitted material, or acombination of woven and knit materials. In exemplary aspects, thetextile material may be selected for athletic wear. For instance, thetextile material used to form the back panel 210 may exhibit stretchproperties, moisture-management properties, and/or varying levels of airpermeability.

The parachute structure 212 comprises an oversized second back panelthat overlays in whole or in part the back panel 210 and is affixed tothe apparel item 100 at select locations such that a space or void ismaintained between an inner-facing surface of the parachute structure212 and an outer-facing surface of the back panel 210. As used withrespect to the apparel item 100, the term “oversized” may mean that theparachute structure 212 may have a longer width (as measured from afirst lateral side to a second lateral side of the parachute structure212) than the back panel 210, and/or the parachute structure 212 mayhave a longer length (as measured from a superior end of the parachutestructure 212 to an inferior end of the parachute structure 212) thanthe back panel 210. Any and all aspects, and any variation thereof, arecontemplated as being within the scope herein.

The parachute structure 212, similar to the first and second sets ofintake ducts 120 and 122, may be formed from a material or textile thatis substantially impermeable to air. For instance, the material used toform the parachute structure 212 may have a CFM rating of 40, 30, 20, orless. Exemplary materials may comprise tightly knitted or woven fabrics,fabrics treated with a waterproof membrane such as PTFE, polyurethanematerials, rubber materials, plastic materials, and the like. Inexemplary aspects, the materials used to form the parachute structure212 may also be resistant to water. For example, the materials may betreated with a durable water repellant (DWR) finish. Additionally, inexemplary aspects, the material used to form the parachute structure 212may comprise a lightweight or ultra-lightweight fabric so as not toappreciably increase the weight of the apparel item 100. In exemplaryaspects, the material used to form the parachute structure 212 may havea weight between 20 gsm to 60 gsm, between 30 gsm to 45 gsm, or between35 gsm and 43 gsm, although weights above and below these values arecontemplated herein. Any and all aspects, and any variation thereof, arecontemplated as being within the scope herein.

In exemplary aspects, the parachute structure 212 may be permanentlyaffixed to the apparel item 100 at select locations or releasablyaffixed to the apparel item 100 at the select locations such that theparachute structure 212 may be removed from the apparel item 100.Exemplary attachment points may comprise at the shoulder regions of theapparel item 100 (indicated by reference numeral 214), along all or partof the sleeve opening 116, along the side regions of the apparel item100 (indicated by reference numeral 216), and/or along the bottom marginof the back panel 210 (indicated by the reference numeral 218).

In exemplary aspects, the parachute structure 212 may form all or partof the first and second set of intake ducts 120 and 122. For example, asshown in FIG. 2A, the lateral set of intake ducts 126 may be formed fromand integrally extend from the parachute structure 212. Morespecifically, the parachute structure 212 is affixed to the apparel item100 at the areas indicated by the reference numeral 216 and theintervening span of material between the two attachment points 216 formsthe lateral set of intake ducts 126. This is also shown in FIG. 4.

Similarly, the second set of intake ducts 122 may be formed from andintegrally extend from the parachute structure 212. For instance, theparachute structure 212 may be affixed to the apparel item at a firstattachment point 214 corresponding to a location adjacent and superiorto the first sleeve opening 116 and to a second attachment point (shownmore clearly in FIG. 1) corresponding to a location adjacent to theneckline opening. The intervening span of material between the twoattachment points 214 forms the second set of intake ducts 122. Thisaspect is also shown in FIG. 5. Thus, the lateral set of intake ducts126 and the second set of intake ducts 122 are integrally formed fromand extend from the parachute structure 212.

As described, both the lateral set of intake ducts 126 and the secondset of intake ducts 122 comprise openings that are oriented to faceanteriorly or forward when the apparel item 100 is worn. By orientingthe openings to face anteriorly, air that is flowing over the front ofthe apparel item 100 may be channeled posteriorly via the openings ofthe lateral set of intake ducts 126 and the second set of intake ducts122 into the space between the parachute structure 212 and the backpanel 210 thereby inflating the parachute structure 212. Moreover, airthat is channeled posteriorly via the openings of the lateral set ofintake ducts 126 and the second set of intake ducts 122 may also be usedto help cool the wearer during, for instance, physical activity.

In one exemplary aspect, and as shown in FIG. 6, the medial set ofintake ducts 124 may not be integrally formed from the parachutestructure 212. FIG. 6 depicts a right side view of the apparel item 100with a portion of the parachute structure 212 cut away to illustrate oneexemplary aspect of how the medial intake ducts 124 are formed inaccordance with aspects herein. As shown in FIG. 6, the medial intakeducts 124 may be formed from a first panel 610, a second panel 612, anda third panel 614, where the panels 610, 612, and 614 are affixed toeither the front or back panels of the apparel item 100 or to each otherto form the ducts 124. For instance, with respect to the first panel610, both the superior and inferior edges of the panel 610 are affixeddirectly to the apparel item 100. With respect to the second panel 612,a superior edge 616 may be affixed along some or all of its length tothe first panel 610 and an inferior edge 618 may be affixed directly tothe front panel 110 and/or the back panel 210 of the apparel item 100.This same configuration would hold true for the third panel 614. Asfurther shown in FIG. 6, the panels 610, 612, and 614 are oriented suchthat the medial intake ducts 124 may angle slightly upward from ananterior to a posterior aspect.

With continued reference to FIG. 6, the anterior and posterior edges ofthe first, second, and third panels 610, 612, and 614 form ingressopenings 620 and also egress openings 622 respectively for each of theducts 124. In exemplary aspects, the ingress openings 620 are locatedanterior to the egress openings 622 and are oriented to face in ananterior or forward direction when the apparel item 100 is worn.Further, the ingress openings 620 may be positioned such that theyextend further anteriorly on the apparel item 100 as compared to theopening(s) associated with the intake ducts 126. This aspect is shownmore clearly in, for instance, FIG. 2A. The egress openings 622 areoriented to face posteriorly or backward when the apparel item 100 isworn and are positioned such that the parachute structure 212 covers oroverlays the egress openings 622. Thus, the egress openings 622 openinto the space formed between the back panel 210 and the parachutestructure 212. Air that flows into the ingress openings 620 incident to,for instance, ground locomotion by the wearer, will be discharged viathe egress openings 622 into this space.

As shown in FIG. 2B, air may flow into the parachute structure 212 viathe medial intake ducts 124, the lateral intake ducts 126, and/or thesecond set of intake ducts 122 as indicated by the arrows. By formingthe parachute structure 212 and the intake ducts 122, 124, and 126 froma wind-resistant material, any air that flows into parachute structure212 via the intake ducts 122, 124, and 126 will generally cause theparachute structure 212 to quickly transition from a slack state asshown in FIG. 2A to an inflated state as shown in FIG. 2B. In otherwords, by forming the intake ducts 122, 124, and 126 and the parachutestructure 212 from a wind-resistant material, air that flows into theparachute structure 212 is generally retained and dissipation of the airthrough the material surface is greatly reduced.

As further shown in FIG. 2B, in exemplary aspects the parachutestructure 212 may be shaped to extend or inflate to a greater degree atthe superior portion of the parachute structure 212 as compared to theinferior portion of the parachute structure 212. To achieve thisexpansion pattern, the panel used to form the parachute structure 212may be configured to be wider across the superior portion of theparachute structure 212 as compared to the inferior portion of theparachute structure 212. This expansion pattern may provide betterresistance training to athletes that train with the upper portion oftheir body bent forward such as sprinters. Sprinters typically start offof a starting block with the upper portion of their bodies bent forwardand gradually transition to an upright position during the sprint. Thus,when the sprinter is bent forward, the superior portion of the parachutestructure 212 is exposed to prevailing winds and produces increaseddrag.

Moreover, to facilitate resistance training for sports that rely onshort bursts of activity, it is important for the parachute structure212 to rapidly insufflate. Rapid insufflation of the parachute structure212 may be achieved using several different features of the apparel item100. For example, by locating the intake ducts 120 and 122 on differentportions of the apparel item 100, the opportunity to capture and channelair flowing over the apparel item 100 is increased. Moreover, providingmultiple intake ducts increases the volume of air that is captured bythe intake ducts 120 and 122 at any given point in time.

Another feature that may contribute to rapid insufflation is theanterior-to-posterior orientation of the intake ducts 122, 124, and/or126. As an example, the medial intake ducts 124 may be oriented as shownin FIG. 6 so that they angle slightly upward from an anterior to aposterior direction. This orientation of the medial intake ducts 124helps to quickly channel air into the larger superior portion of theparachute structure 212 as shown in FIG. 2B. Yet another feature thatcontributes to rapid insufflation is positioning the ingress openings620 of the medial intake ducts 124 such that they extend furtheranteriorly on the apparel item 100 as compared to the opening(s) of thelateral intake ducts 126. This prevents the larger opening(s) associatedwith the lateral intake duct 126 from inhibiting air flow into thesmaller ingress openings 620 associated with the medial intake ducts124.

The expansion pattern shown in FIG. 2B for the parachute structure 212is exemplary only. For example, it is contemplated herein that theparachute structure 212 may have a more uniform pattern of expansionsuch that the superior portion of the structure 212 inflates togenerally the same degree as the inferior portion of the parachutestructure 212. This may be achieved by configuring the panel used toform the parachute structure 212 such that the width of the parachutestructure 212 is uniform. In another example, the inferior portion ofthe parachute structure 212 may be configured to inflate to a greaterdegree than the superior portion. This may be achieved by configuringthe panel used to form the parachute structure 212 such that the widthof the panel is greater towards the inferior portion as compared to thesuperior portion of the panel. In yet another example, the length of thepanel used to form the parachute structure 212 may be adjusted toprovide for a greater anterior-to-posterior expansion or a lesseranterior-to-posterior expansion (e.g., decreasing the length wouldlessen anterior-to-posterior expansion and increasing the length wouldincrease anterior-to-posterior expansion).

Further, it is contemplated herein, that the features described abovewith respect to the intake ducts 122, 124, and 126 and the parachutestructure 212 can be customized to provide optimal resistance trainingfor different types of sports. For instance, intake ducts may be locatedon different portions of the apparel item 100 to take advantage ofprevailing wind flow patterns associated with a particular sport. Thenumber of intake ducts may be increased to increase the rate ofexpansion of the parachute structure 212 for sports that require quickbursts of activity, or the number of intake ducts may be reduced to slowthe rate of expansion for sports that require more sustained levels ofactivity. As well, the orientation of the intake ducts may be adjustedto promote more rapid insufflation of certain areas of the parachutestructure 212. Continuing, the expansion pattern of the parachutestructure 212 may be modified to provide varying levels of airresistance and/or to take advantage of certain body positions associatedwith particular sports. Moreover, the parachute structure 212 may beformed from materials that enable air within the space between theparachute structure 212 and the back panel 210 to dissipate more quicklyif a lower level of air resistance is needed or to dissipate lessquickly if a higher sustained level of air resistance is needed. Any andall aspects, and any variation thereof, are contemplated as being withinthe scope herein.

Once the wearer of the apparel item 100 ceases or slows movement orlocomotion, air may passively exit the parachute structure 212 via, forinstance, traveling from a posterior to an anterior direction throughthe intake ducts 120 and 122 in addition to exiting other areas such as,for example, around the sleeve openings 116 and 118, and/or around thebottom margin of the back panel 210. As stated above, air that flowsinto the apparel item via the intake ducts 120 and 122 may also help tocool the wearer. When the wearer ceases or slows movement, the air inthe apparel item 100 that has been heated by the wearer may exit theapparel item 100 thereby helping to dissipate wearer-generated heat andto dissipate moisture vapor produced by the wearer.

FIG. 3 depicts a back view of the apparel item 100 in accordance withaspects herein. As shown, the parachute structure 212 overlays or ispositioned adjacent to an outer-facing surface of the back panel 210(shown by the dashed line) of the apparel item 100 and may be affixed tothe apparel item 100 at the various attachment points described herein.For instance, as described, a bottom margin 312 of the parachutestructure 212 may be affixed in whole or in part to a bottom margin 313of the back panel 210 (either continuously or discontinuously). Theparachute structure 212 may comprise a plurality of reinforcement cordsor strips 310 to help provide structure to the parachute structure 212when inflated. The reinforcement strips 310 may comprise, for instance,a polyurethane or thermoplastic polyurethane tape, a fabric tape, asilicone strip, a memory wire, and the like. In exemplary aspects, thereinforcement strips 310 may be positioned on the parachute structure212 to cause a particular expansion pattern. For instance, areas of theparachute structure 212 on which the reinforcement strips 310 arepositioned may not inflate to the same degree as the portions of theparachute structure 212 located between the reinforcement strips 310.Thus, the reinforcement strips 310 may be used to selectively inflatedifferent portions of the parachute structure 212 to different degrees.

FIG. 7 depicts a back perspective view of the apparel item 100 with aportion of the parachute structure 212 cut away in accordance withaspects herein. FIG. 7 is provided to further illustrate how theparachute structure 212 overlays or is positioned adjacent to anouter-facing surface of the back panel 210 of the apparel item 100.

Turning now to FIG. 8, FIG. 8 illustrates another exemplary apparel item800 with an integrated parachute structure in accordance with aspectsherein. The apparel item 800 comprises an apparel item for a lower torsoof a wearer such as a pant. Although shown as a pant, it is contemplatedherein, that the apparel item 800 may be in the form of a short, or athree-quarter pant. Any and all aspects, and any variation thereof, arecontemplated as being within the scope herein. The apparel item 800 maycomprise additional features not shown and/or discussed such as pockets,zippers, a waistband, and the like.

As shown in FIG. 8, the apparel item 800 comprises at least a frontpanel 810 that may form at least an anterior aspect of a first andsecond leg portion 812 and 814. In exemplary aspects, the front panel810 may be formed of materials suitable for athletic wear. For instance,the materials used to form the front panel 810 may comprise knitmaterials, woven materials, or a combination of knit and woven materialsthat exhibit stretch properties, moisture-management properties, and/orvarying levels of air permeability.

As further shown in FIG. 8, the apparel item 800 comprises a first setof intake ducts 816 positioned on the first leg portion 812 and a secondset of intake ducts 818 positioned on the second leg portion 814. In anexemplary aspect, the intake ducts 816 and 818 are generally positionedalong the lateral edges of the first leg portion 812 and the second legportion 814 respectively. By positioning the intake ducts 816 and 818along the lateral edges of the apparel item 800, the intake ducts 816and 818 are prevented from interfering with the wearer's movements orgait.

The intake ducts 816 and 818 may be formed from a material or textilethat is substantially impermeable to air. For instance, the intake ducts816 and 818 may be formed from a material that has a CFM rating or valueof 40, 30, 20, or less. Exemplary materials may comprise tightly knittedor woven fabrics, fabrics treated with a waterproof membrane such asPTFE, polyurethane materials, rubber materials, plastic materials, andthe like. In exemplary aspects, the materials used to form the intakeducts 816 and 818 may also be resistant to water. For example, thematerials may be treated with a durable water repellant (DWR) finish.Additionally, in exemplary aspects, the material used to form the intakeducts 816 and 818 may comprise a lightweight or ultra-lightweight fabricso as not to appreciably increase the weight of the apparel item 800. Inexemplary aspects, the material used to form the intake ducts 816 and818 may have a weight between 20 gsm to 60 gsm, between 30 gsm to 45gsm, or between 35 gsm and 43 gsm, although weights above and belowthese values are contemplated herein. Any and all aspects, and anyvariation thereof, are contemplated as being within the scope herein.

The intake ducts 816 and 818 may each comprise two ducts as shown inFIG. 8, although it is contemplated herein that the intake ducts 816 and818 may each comprise a single duct or may comprise more than two ducts.Any and all aspects, and any variation thereof, are contemplated asbeing within the scope herein. Each intake duct 816 and 818 has anopening that is oriented to face in an anterior or forward directionwhen the apparel item 800 is worn. In an optional aspect, the edges ofthe openings of the intake ducts 816 and 818 (shown en face in FIG. 8)may be reinforced with, for example, a seam tape or other type ofstiffening member to help maintain the ducts 816 and 818 in an open, orpartially open, configuration.

In exemplary aspects, the intake ducts 816 and 818 are formed byoverlaying or positioning a parachute structure over a back panel of theapparel item 800 and selectively affixing the parachute structure to theapparel item 800 to form the intake ducts 816 and 818. This is bettershown with respect to FIGS. 9A-11. For instance, FIGS. 9A and 9B depictright side views of the apparel item 800 and FIGS. 10 and 11 depict aback view of the apparel item 800 in accordance with aspects herein.With respect to FIG. 9A, the apparel item 800 further comprises a backpanel 910 (shown in part by the dashed line to indicate that it ishidden from view) and a parachute structure 912 in a slack state. Theback panel 910 may comprise a separate panel from the front panel 810and may be coupled to the front panel 810 either directly or via one ormore side panels. In another exemplary aspect, the back panel 910 may beintegrally formed with the front panel 810 via, for instance, a knittingor weaving process. Any and all aspects, and any variation thereof, arecontemplated as being within the scope herein. In either regard, theback panel 910 along with the front panel 810 may help to define inwhole or in part a waist opening, the first and second leg portions 812and 814, and leg openings for the apparel item 800. The back panel 910may be formed from a woven material, a knit material, or a combinationof woven and knit materials. In exemplary aspects, the textile materialmay be selected for athletic wear. For instance, the textile materialused to form the back panel 910 may exhibit stretch properties,moisture-management properties, and/or varying levels of airpermeability.

The parachute structure 912 comprises an oversized back panel thatoverlays in whole or in part the back panel 910 of the first and secondleg portions 812 and 814 at select locations such that a space or voidis maintained between an inner-facing surface of the parachute structure912 and an outer-facing surface of the back panel 910. This aspect isdepicted in FIG. 11 which illustrates a back view of the apparel item800 with a portion of the parachute structure 912 cut away on the secondleg portion 814 in accordance with aspects herein. As shown in FIG. 11,the parachute structure 912 overlays or is positioned adjacent to anouter-facing surface of the back panel 910 of the apparel item 800.

As used with respect to the apparel item 800, the term “oversized” maymean that the parachute structure 912 may have a longer width (asmeasured from a first lateral side to a second lateral side of theparachute structure 912) than the portion of the back panel 910 overwhich the parachute structure 912 is positioned, and/or the parachutestructure 912 may have a longer length (as measured from a superior endof the parachute structure 912 to an inferior end of the parachutestructure 912) than the portion of the back panel 910 over which theparachute structure 912 is positioned. Any and all aspects, and anyvariation thereof, are contemplated as being within the scope herein.

The parachute structure 912 may be formed from a material or textilethat is substantially impermeable to air. For instance, the materialused to form the parachute structure 912 may have a CFM rating of 40,30, 20 or less. Exemplary materials may comprise tightly knitted orwoven fabrics, fabrics treated with a waterproof membrane such as PTFE,polyurethane materials, rubber materials, plastic materials, and thelike. In exemplary aspects, the materials used to form the parachutestructure 912 may also be resistant to water. For example, the materialsmay be treated with a durable water repellant (DWR) finish.Additionally, in exemplary aspects, the material used to form theparachute structure 912 may comprise a lightweight or ultra-lightweightfabric so as not to appreciably increase the weight of the apparel item800. In exemplary aspects, the material used to form the parachutestructure 912 may have a weight between 20 gsm to 60 gsm, between 30 gsmto 45 gsm, or between 35 gsm and 43 gsm, although weights above andbelow these values are contemplated herein. Any and all aspects, and anyvariation thereof, are contemplated as being within the scope herein.

In exemplary aspects, the parachute structure 912 may be selectivelyaffixed to the apparel item 800. As shown best in FIG. 9A, a firstanterior edge of the parachute structure 912 may be releasably orpermanently affixed to the apparel item 800 at a first attachment point914 located generally at a lateral mid-thigh portion of the first andsecond leg portions 812 and 814, at a second attachment point 916located generally at a lateral mid-calf portion of the first and secondleg portions 812 and 814, and at a third attachment point 918 locatedgenerally at or near a lateral bottom margin of the first and second legportions 812 and 814.

As best shown in FIG. 9A and in FIG. 10, which illustrates a back viewof the apparel item 800, a second posterior edge of the parachutestructure 912 may be continuously affixed (releasably or permanently)along its length to the back panel 910 as indicated by bracketedreference numeral 920. In exemplary aspects, the attachment area 920generally begins superiorly at a lateral edge of the leg portions 812and 814 and extends inferiorly to terminate at a medial edge of the legportions 812 and 814 at the bottom margin of the leg portions 812 and814. Continuing, the bottom or inferior margin of the parachutestructure 912 may be continuously or discontinuously affixed to thebottom or inferior margin of the back panel 910.

As mentioned, the parachute structure 912 may form all or part of theintake ducts 816 and 818. For example, as shown in FIG. 9A, the intakeducts 816 may be formed from the parachute structure 912. Morespecifically, the anterior edge of the parachute structure 912 isaffixed to the apparel item 800 at the first attachment point 914, thesecond attachment point 916, and the third attachment point 918, and theintervening span of material between these attachment points 914, 916,and 918 forms the openings to the intake ducts 816. Thus, the intakeducts 816 and 818 are integrally formed from and extend from theparachute structure 912.

As described, the intake ducts 816 and 818 comprise openings that areoriented to face anteriorly or forward when the apparel item 800 isworn. By orienting the openings to face anteriorly, air that is flowingover the front of the apparel item 800 may be channeled posteriorly viathe openings of the intake ducts 816 and 818 into the space between theparachute structure 912 and the back panel 910 thereby inflating theparachute structure 912 as shown in FIG. 9B where the air flow isindicated by the arrows. Air may be retained in this space by formingthe parachute structure 912 from a wind-resistant material. Further, bycontinuously affixing the posterior edge of the parachute structure 912to the back panel 910 of the apparel item 800 as indicated by referencenumeral 920, egress of air within the space between the parachutestructure 912 and the back panel 910 is restricted.

Once the wearer of the apparel item 800 ceases or slows movement orlocomotion, air within the space between the parachute structure 912 andthe back panel 910 of the apparel item 800 may passively exit via, forinstance, the intake ducts 816 and 818 and/or at the bottom margins ofthe leg portions 812 and 814.

The expansion pattern of the parachute structure 912 may be varied byadjusting the length and/or width of the parachute structure 912. Forinstance, the length of the parachute structure 912 as measured from asuperior to inferior aspect may be increased to provide a greateranterior-to-posterior expansion of the parachute structure 912.Conversely, the length of the parachute structure 912 may be reduced tolimit the anterior-to-posterior expansion of the structure 912.Moreover, the width of the parachute structure 912 may be increased tocause a greater lateral-to-medial expansion of the parachute structure912, and the width may be reduced to decrease the amount oflateral-to-medial expansion.

Other features of the parachute structure 912 may be adjusted to providediffering levels or patterns of air resistance for the wearer of theapparel item 800. For example, increasing the number of ducts 816 and818 or the size of the duct openings may cause more rapid insufflationof the parachute structure 912 and a resultant rapid increase in airresistance, while decreasing the number or size of the ducts 816 and 818may cause a more gradual insufflation and a more gradual increase in airresistance.

Moreover, the parachute structure 912 may be positioned at otherlocations on the apparel item 800. As shown in FIGS. 8-11, the intakeducts 816 and 818 as well as the parachute structure 912 are generallypositioned along an inferior and posterior aspect of the leg portions812 and 814. This positioning may be optimal for runners/sprinters asthese athletes typically travel in a forward direction. However, it iscontemplated herein that parachute structure 912 may be positionedanteriorly on the leg portions 812 and 814 and/or along superior aspectsof the leg portions 812 and 814 to take advantage of prevailing windflow patterns associated with particular sports or training exercises.

Continuing, in exemplary aspects, the parachute structure 912 may beformed from materials having a higher CFM value such that air within thespace between the parachute structure 912 and the back panel 910 isdissipated more quickly to provide a more transient level of airresistance. Alternatively, materials having a lower CFM value may beused such that air within the space between the parachute structure 912and the back panel 910 is dissipated less quickly to provide a highermore sustained level of air resistance. Any and all aspects, and anyvariation thereof, are contemplated as being within the scope herein.

FIGS. 20-22 illustrate the configuration described above for the apparelitem 800 as applied to a sleeve portion 2000. As shown in FIG. 20, whichdepicts a front view of a wearer wearing the sleeve portion 2000, thesleeve portion 2000 may comprise a removable sleeve (popularly known asa “sleeve skin”) that may be drawn on a wearer's arm when desired (e.g.,during training sessions). In other aspects, the sleeve portion 2000 maycomprise a sleeve panel of a shirt or jacket. Any and all aspects, andany variation thereof, are contemplated as being within the scopeherein. The discussion of the sleeve portion 2000 will generally focuson the right sleeve portion 2000 shown in FIG. 20. The discussion wouldbe equally applicable to the left sleeve portion. The description of thematerials used to form the different portions of the apparel item 800(e.g., types of fabrics, characteristics of the fabric, CFM ratings,weight values, and the like) is equally applicable to the sleeve portion2000.

FIG. 20 illustrates a front view of the sleeve portion 2000 inaccordance with aspects herein. As shown in FIG. 20, the sleeve portion2000 comprises a front panel 2010 that may form at least an anterioraspect of the sleeve portion 2000 when the sleeve portion 2000 is worn.The sleeve portion 2000 further comprises a set of intake ducts 2012positioned along a lateral edge of the sleeve portion 2000. Bypositioning the intake ducts 2012 along the lateral edges of the sleeveportion 2000, the intake ducts 2012 are prevented from interfering withthe wearer's movements or gait when the sleeve portion 2000 is worn.

The intake ducts 2012 may comprise two ducts as shown in FIG. 20,although it is contemplated herein that the intake ducts 2012 maycomprise a single duct or may comprise more than two ducts. Any and allaspects, and any variation thereof, are contemplated as being within thescope herein. The intake ducts 2012 have openings that are oriented toface in an anterior or forward direction when the sleeve portion 2000 isworn. In an optional aspect, the edges of the openings of the intakeducts 2012 (shown en face in FIG. 20) may be reinforced with, forexample, a seam tape or other type of stiffening member to help maintainthe ducts 2012 in an open, or partially open, configuration.

In exemplary aspects, the intake ducts 2012 are formed by overlaying orpositioning a parachute structure over a back panel of the sleeveportion 2000 and selectively affixing the parachute structure to thesleeve portion 2000 to form the intake ducts 2012. This is better shownwith respect to FIGS. 21A-22. With respect to FIG. 21A, the sleeveportion 2000 further comprises a back panel 2110 (shown in part by thedashed line to indicate the portion that is hidden from view) and aparachute structure 2112 in a slack state. The back panel 2110 maycomprise a separate panel from the front panel 2010 and may be coupledto the front panel 2010 either directly or via one or more additionalpanels. In another exemplary aspect, the back panel 2110 may beintegrally formed with the front panel 2010 via, for instance, aknitting or weaving process. Any and all aspects, and any variationthereof, are contemplated as being within the scope herein. In eitherregard, the back panel 2110 along with the front panel 2010 may help todefine in whole or in part an upper sleeve opening 2114 and a lowersleeve opening 2116 for the sleeve portion 2000.

The parachute structure 2112 comprises an oversized back panel thatoverlays in whole or in part the back panel 2110 of the sleeve portion2000 at select locations such that a space or void is maintained betweenan inner-facing surface of the parachute structure 2112 and anouter-facing surface of the back panel 2110. This aspect is depicted inFIG. 22 which illustrates a back view of the sleeve portion 2000 with aportion of the parachute structure 2112 cut away in accordance withaspects herein. As shown in FIG. 22, the parachute structure 2112overlays or is positioned adjacent to an outer-facing surface of theback panel 2110 of the sleeve portion 2000.

As used with respect to the sleeve portion 2000, the term “oversized”may mean that the parachute structure 2112 may have a longer width (asmeasured from a first lateral side to a second lateral side of theparachute structure 2112) than the portion of the back panel 2110 overwhich the parachute structure 2112 is positioned, and/or the parachutestructure 2112 may have a longer length (as measured from a superior endof the parachute structure 2112 to an inferior end of the parachutestructure 2112) than the portion of the back panel 2110 over which theparachute structure 2112 is positioned. Any and all aspects, and anyvariation thereof, are contemplated as being within the scope herein.

In exemplary aspects, the parachute structure 2112 may be selectivelyaffixed to the sleeve portion 2000. As shown best in FIG. 21A, a firstanterior edge of the parachute structure 2112 may be releasably orpermanently affixed to the sleeve portion 2000 at a first attachmentpoint 2118 located at a lateral, superior portion of the sleeve portion2000, at a second attachment point 2120 located at an approximatemidpoint of the sleeve portion 2000, and at a third attachment point2122 located at a lateral, inferior or bottom margin of the sleeveportion 2000. More or less attachment points than those shown arecontemplated as being within the scope herein.

As best shown in FIG. 22, which illustrates a back view of the sleeveportion 2000, a posterior edge of the parachute structure 2112 may becontinuously affixed (releasably or permanently) along its length to theback panel 2110 as indicated by bracketed reference numeral 2200. Inexemplary aspects, the attachment area 2200 generally begins superiorlyat a lateral edge of the sleeve portion 2000 and extends inferiorly toterminate at a medial edge of the sleeve portion 2000 at the bottommargin of the sleeve portion 2000. Continuing, the bottom or inferiormargin of the parachute structure 2112 may be continuously ordiscontinuously affixed to the bottom or inferior margin of the backpanel 2110.

The parachute structure 2112 may form all or part of the intake ducts2012. For example, as shown in FIG. 21A, the intake ducts 2012 may beformed from the parachute structure 2112. More specifically, theanterior edge of the parachute structure 2112 is affixed to the sleeveportion 2000 at the first attachment point 2118, the second attachmentpoint 2120, and the third attachment point 2122, and the interveningspan of material between these attachment points 2118, 2120, and 2122forms the openings to the intake duct 2012. Thus, the intake ducts 2012are integrally formed from and extend from the parachute structure 2112.

Similar to the apparel item 800, air flowing over the anterior face ofthe sleeve portion 2000 may be channeled posteriorly via the openings ofthe intake ducts 2012 into the space between the parachute structure2112 and the back panel 2110 thereby inflating the parachute structure2112 as shown in FIG. 21B where the air flow is indicated by the arrows.Air may be retained in this space by forming the parachute structure2112 from a wind-resistant material. Further, by continuously affixingthe posterior edge of the parachute structure 2112 to the back panel2110 of the sleeve portion 2000 as indicated by reference numeral 2200,egress of air within the space between the parachute structure 2112 andthe back panel 2110 is restricted.

Once the wearer of the sleeve portion 2000 ceases or slows movement orlocomotion, air within the space between the parachute structure 2112and the back panel 2110 of the sleeve portion 2000 may passively exitvia, for instance, the intake ducts 2012 and/or at the bottom margins ofthe sleeve portion 2000. Similar to the apparel item 800, variousfeatures of the sleeve portion 2000 may be modified to, for instance,produce different expansion patterns, provide more rapid or less rapidinsufflation, provide more prolonged insufflations, and the like.

Turning now to FIG. 12, a front view of another exemplary apparel item1200 having an integrated parachute structure is illustrated inaccordance with aspects herein. The apparel item 1200 is shown in theform of a jacket, although it is contemplated herein that the apparelitem 1200 may be in the form of a shirt, a pant, and the like. Further,although shown as having long sleeves, it is contemplated herein thatthe apparel item 1200 may comprise no sleeves, quarter sleeves, halfsleeves, three-quarter sleeves, and the like. It is also contemplatedherein that the apparel item 1200 may comprise additional features notshown such as pockets and/or a hood. Any and all aspects, and anyvariation thereof, are contemplated as being within the scope herein.

As shown in FIG. 12, the apparel item 1200 comprises a first front panel1210 and a second front panel 1212 that are releasably affixed to oneanother via a zipper-type mechanism 1214. The apparel item 1200 furthercomprises a first sleeve portion 1216 and a second sleeve portion 1218.

FIG. 14 illustrates a back view of the exemplary apparel item 1200 inaccordance with aspects herein. As shown in FIG. 14, the apparel item1200 further comprises a back panel 1410. The back panel 1410 maycomprise a separate panel from the first and second front panels 1210and 1212 and may be coupled to the first and second front panels 1210and 1212 either directly or via one or more side panels, gussets, orshoulder panels. In another exemplary aspect, the back panel 1410 may beintegrally formed with the front panels 1210 and 1212 via, for instance,a knitting or weaving process. Any and all aspects, and any variationthereof, are contemplated as being within the scope herein. In eitherregard, the back panel 1410 along with the first and second front panels1210 and 1212 may help to define in whole or in part a neck opening,first and second sleeve openings, and a waist opening for the apparelitem 1200.

In one exemplary aspect, the front panels 1210 and 1212, the first andsecond sleeve portions 1216 and 1218, and the back panel 1410 may beformed from a material or textile that is substantially impermeable toair as indicated by the material having a CFM rating of 40, 30, 20 orless. Exemplary materials may comprise tightly knitted or woven fabrics,fabrics treated with a waterproof membrane such as PTFE, polyurethanematerials, rubber materials, plastic materials, and the like.

In exemplary aspects, the materials used to form the front panels 1210and 1212, the first and second sleeve portions 1216 and 1218, and theback panel 1410 may also be resistant to water. For example, thematerials may be treated with a durable water repellant (DWR) finish.Additionally, in exemplary aspects, the material used to form the frontpanels 1210 and 1212, the first and second sleeve portions 1216 and1218, and the back panel 1410 may comprise a lightweight orultra-lightweight fabric so as not to appreciably increase the weight ofthe apparel item 1200. In exemplary aspects, the material used to formthe front panels 1210 and 1212, the first and second sleeve portions1216 and 1218, and the back panel 1410 may have a weight between 20 gsmto 60 gsm, between 30 gsm to 45 gsm, or between 35 gsm and 43 gsm,although weights above and below these values are contemplated herein.

Returning to FIG. 12, the first and second front panels 1210 and 1212may each comprise a plurality of intake slits or ducts 1220 positionedtowards the lateral edges or sides of the front panels 1210 and 1212 andextending from an upper portion of the front panels 1210 and 1210 to thebottom margin of the front panels 1210 and 1212. Further, in an optionalaspect, the first and second sleeve portions 1216 and 1218 may comprisea plurality of intake slits or ducts 1222. As shown in FIG. 12, and alsoin FIG. 13A which illustrates a right side view of the apparel item 1200when the back panel 1410 is in a slack state, the intake ducts 1220 and1222 are generally positioned anteriorly on the apparel item 1200, andthe intake ducts 1222 are further positioned along a lateral portion ofthe first and second sleeve portions 1216 and 1218. The locations of theintake ducts 1220 and 1222 is exemplary only and it is contemplatedherein that the intake ducts 1220 and 1222 may be positioned at otherareas of the apparel item 1200.

A close-up view of a section of the intake ducts 1220 and/or 1222 isshown in FIG. 15. As shown, each intake duct 1220 and/or 1222 may beformed by making a generally “S-shaped” cut in the material of theapparel item 1200 such that the cut extends through the thickness of thematerial. More particularly, each intake duct 1220 and/or 1222 comprisesa first generally circular cut 1510 having an opening facing a firstdirection and a second generally circular cut 1512 having an openingfacing a second direction opposite the first direction. The first cut1510 has at least a first terminal end that is positioned adjacent to aterminal end of the second cut 1512 to complete the “S-shape.” Moreover,a small extent of material 1513 is left between the terminal ends of thefirst and second cuts 1510 and 1512, where this piece of material 1513may serve as a hinge point as described below.

By forming the intake ducts 1220 and 1222 as described, two flaps arecreated for each intake duct, where each flap covers an opening into thespace between the apparel item 1200 and, for example, the wearer's body.FIG. 15 illustrates one of the flaps on a duct positioned in an upwardopen position as indicated by the reference numeral 1514 thus allowingair to flow freely into the apparel item 1200. This same duct wouldadditionally have a second flap 1516 (shown in a neutral position) that,when in an upward open position would be in a generally adjacent planarrelationship with the first flap 1514. The flaps 1514 and 1516 open withrespect to the hinge point 1513. It is further contemplated herein thatthe flaps may be positioned in a downward open position as indicated bythe reference numeral 1518. By configuring the intake ducts 1220 and1222 as described, and by varying the orientation of the “S-shapes” asshown in FIG. 15, the intake ducts 1220 and 1222 are optimized to takeadvantage of different wind flow patterns engendered by the wearer'smovements. For instance, when the flaps are in an upward open position,the flap itself may act to catch prevailing wind flow and direct itthrough the duct. This effect is multiplied by varying the orientationof the “S-shapes” throughout the apparel item 1200.

Turning now to FIGS. 13A and 13B, right side views of the apparel item1200 are illustrated in accordance with aspects herein. A left-side viewof the apparel item 1200 would generally disclose similar features. FIG.13A depicts the apparel item 1200 with the back panel 1410 and thesleeve portion 1216 in a slack state, and FIG. 13B depicts the apparelitem 1200 with the back panel 1410 and the sleeve portion 1216 in aninflated state. With respect to the apparel item 1200, instead of aparachute structure comprising a separate panel that overlays or ispositioned adjacent to an outer-facing surface of a panel of an apparelitem such as with the apparel item 100 or the apparel item 800, the backpanel 1410 and the sleeve portions 1216 and 1218 function as theparachute structure. In other words, the back panel 1410 directlyoverlays or is directly positioned adjacent to the body of the wearer asshown by FIG. 16 which depicts a cut-away view of a portion of the backpanel 1410. To function as a parachute structure, the back panel 1410and/or the sleeve portions 1216 and 1218 may be configured to beover-sized. In other words, the back panel 1410 may be configured tohave a greater width and/or a greater length than a typical panel usedto form a back panel of a jacket, and the sleeve portions 1216 and 1218may have a greater width and/or a greater length than typical sleeveportions used to form sleeve portions of a jacket. For instance, theback panel 1410 may have a width or length that is 1.5, 2, or 3 timesthe width of the front panels 1210 and 1212.

The back panel 1410 may transition from a slack state to an inflatedstate (seen in FIG. 13B) incident to air entering the plurality of ducts1220 due to, for instance, the wearer of the apparel item 1200initiating ground locomotion or other type of movement. Moreparticularly, once air has entered the intake ducts 1220 it may flowposteriorly in the space between the inner-facing surface of the apparelitem 1200 and the wearer's body and initiate insufflation of the backpanel 1410. As well, the air entering the apparel item 1200 via theintake ducts 1220 may also help to cool the wearer by promoting, forinstance, evaporative heat transfer. Moreover, because the apparel item1200 is formed from a wind-resistant material, any air that enters theapparel item 1200 via the intake ducts 1220 is generally retained in theapparel item 1200 thereby helping to maintain a more sustained inflationof the back panel 1410. Sustained insufflation of the back panel 1410may be further augmented by configuring the apparel item 1200 such thatthe neckline opening and the waist opening are restricted (via, forexample, use of an elasticized neckline or waistline), thereby limitingthe passive exit of air from the apparel item 1200.

Similarly, the sleeve portions 1216 and 1218 may transition from a slackstate to an inflated state (seen in FIG. 13B) incident to air enteringthe plurality of intake ducts 1222 due to, for instance, the wearer ofthe apparel item 1200 initiating movement of the wearer's arms. Once airhas entered the intake ducts 1222 it may flow within the space betweenthe inner-facing surface of the sleeve portions 1216 and 1218 and thewearer's body and initiate posterior insufflation of the sleeve portions1216 and 1218. Further, because the sleeve portions 1216 and 1218 areformed from a wind-resistant material, any air that enters the sleeveportions 1216 and 1218 via the ducts 1222 is generally retained in thesleeve portions 1216 and 1218. Insufflation of the sleeve portions 1216and 1218 may be augmented by forming the apparel item 1200 such that thesleeve openings are restricted via, for instance, a tight-fitting cuff,thereby limiting the passive exit of air from the sleeve portions 1216and 1218.

Once wearer movement slows or ceases, air within the apparel item 1200may passively exist via the intake ducts 1220 and 1222 and/or otherlocations on the apparel item 1200 such as the neckline opening, thewaist opening, and/or the sleeve openings to transition the back panel1410 and the sleeve portions 1216 and 1218 back to a slack state. Aswell, exiting air may also help to cool the wearer by carrying moisturevapor away from the wearer.

The expansion pattern of the back panel 1410 may be modified by the useof reinforcement strips as shown in FIG. 14. FIG. 14 depicts a back viewof the apparel item 1200, where the back panel 1410 comprises aplurality of reinforcement strips 1412 arranged in a pre-determinedpattern. The reinforcement strips 1412 may comprise seam tape,polyurethane or thermoplastic polyurethane tape, memory wire, fabricstrips, and the like. As explained above with respect to the apparelitem 100, the reinforcement strips 1412 may limit expansion in the areain which they are located and thus may be used to guide the selectiveinflation of the back panel 1410. The reinforcement strips 1412 may beuseful when the apparel item 1200 is formed from a lightweight orultra-lightweight material as the strips 1412 may help to providestructure to the apparel item 1200. The pattern shown in FIG. 14 isexemplary only, and it is contemplated herein that other configurationsmay be used to achieve different expansion patterns for the back panel1410.

Although shown in the form of a jacket, it is contemplated herein, thatthe apparel item thus described may be in the form of a pant as shown inFIGS. 17-19B and as referenced by the reference numeral 1700. Forexample, the pant 1700 may be formed of a material that is substantiallyimpermeable to air, and a plurality of S-shaped intake ducts 1710 may beformed through the material of the pant 1700 as shown in FIG. 17 whichdepicts a front view of the pant 1700. In exemplary aspects, theplurality of intake ducts 1710 may be positioned over an anterior andlateral face of the pant 1700. More particularly, the intake ducts 1710may be positioned over an anterior and lateral face of a front panel1712 of the pant 1700. The locations of the intake ducts 1710 areexemplary only and it is contemplated herein that the intake ducts 1710may be positioned at other areas of the pant 1700.

FIG. 18 depicts a back view of the pant 1700 in accordance with aspectsherein. The pant 1700 further comprises a back panel 1810 which may beseparate from the front panel 1712 or may be integrally formed with thefront panel 1712. The back panel 1810 may be configured to be oversizedso that it can serve as a parachute structure. In exemplary aspects, theback panel 1810 is configured to overlay or be positioned adjacent to aback lower torso of a wearer when the pant 1700 is worn. In other words,it is contemplated herein that the back panel 1810 comprises a singlelayer with no overlying layer.

Air entering the intake ducts 1710 incident to a wearer of the pant 1700initiating ground locomotion may transition the back panel 1810 of thepant 1700 from a slack state to an inflated state. This is shown inFIGS. 19A and 19B which depict right side views of the pant 1700 inaccordance with aspects herein. FIG. 19A depicts the back panel 1810 ofthe pant 1700 in a slack state, and FIG. 19B depicts the back panel 1810of the pant 1700 in an inflated state initiated upon air (shown by thearrows) entering the intake ducts 1710. Other features described for theapparel item 1200 may be equally applicable to the pant 1700. Forinstance, the leg openings of the pant 1700 may be configured to closelyconform to the wearer's body so as to prevent the inadvertent escape ofair and to provide for more rapid and sustained insufflation of the backpanel 1810. As well, reinforcement strips may be used to generatespecific expansion patterns. Any and all aspects, and any variationthereof, are contemplated as being within the scope herein.

From the foregoing, it will be seen that aspects herein are well adaptedto attain all the ends and objects hereinabove set forth together withother advantages which are obvious and which are inherent to thestructure. It will be understood that certain features andsubcombinations are of utility and may be employed without reference toother features and subcombinations. This is contemplated by and iswithin the scope of the claims. Since many possible aspects may be madewithout departing from the scope thereof, it is to be understood thatall matter herein set forth or shown in the accompanying drawings is tobe interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparel item comprising: at least a firstsleeve opening, a second sleeve opening, and a first back panel adaptedto cover a back torso area of a wearer when the apparel item is in theas-worn configuration; a first set of intake ducts; and a second backpanel positioned adjacent to an outer-facing surface of the first backpanel and affixed in part to the first back panel, the second back panelconfigured to transition from a first slack state to a second inflatedstate subsequent to air entering into the first set of intake ducts,wherein the second inflated state increases air resistance to groundlocomotion of the wearer.
 2. The apparel item of claim 1, wherein aspace is formed between the first back panel and the second back panel.3. The apparel item of claim 2, wherein the first set of intake ductsare in fluid communication with the space formed between the first backpanel and the second back panel.
 4. The apparel item of claim 1, whereinthe second back panel is formed from a material that is substantiallyimpermeable to air.
 5. The apparel item of claim 4, wherein the firstset of intake ducts are formed from the same material as the second backpanel.
 6. The apparel item of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of thefirst set of intake ducts are integrally formed by the second backpanel.
 7. The apparel item of claim 1, wherein each intake duct of thefirst set of intake ducts comprises an opening, and wherein the eachopening is configured to face in an anterior or forward direction whenthe apparel item is in the as-worn configuration.
 8. The apparel item ofclaim 1, wherein the second back panel is formed from a lightweightmaterial.
 9. The apparel item of claim 8, wherein the second back panelcomprises a series of reinforcement strips configured to provide supportand structure to the second back panel.
 10. An apparel item for a lowertorso of a wearer, the apparel item comprising: at least a first legportion and a second leg portion; a set of intake ducts located alongside margins of the first and second leg portions; and a first panelpositioned adjacent to, in part, a posterior face of the first legportion and a second panel positioned adjacent to, in part, a posteriorface of the second leg portion, the first and second panels configuredto transition from a first slack state to a second inflated statesubsequent to air entering the set of intake ducts, wherein the secondinflated state increases air resistance to ground locomotion of thewearer.
 11. The apparel item of claim 10, wherein a space is formedbetween: 1) the first panel and the first leg portion, and 2) the secondpanel and the second leg portion.
 12. The apparel item of claim 11,wherein the set of intake ducts are in fluid communication with thespace formed between the respective first and second panels and thefirst and second leg portions.
 13. The apparel item of claim 10, whereinthe set of intake ducts are integrally formed from the first panel andthe second panel.
 14. The apparel item of claim 10, wherein each intakeduct of the set of intake ducts comprises an opening, and wherein theeach opening is configured to face in an anterior direction when theapparel item is in an as-worn configuration.
 15. The apparel item ofclaim 10, wherein the first panel and the second panel are formed from amaterial that is substantially impervious to air.
 16. The apparel itemof claim 10, wherein the first panel is positioned adjacent to aninferior portion of the first leg portion, and wherein the second panelis positioned adjacent to an inferior portion of the second leg portion.17. An apparel item comprising: at least a front panel and a back panel,wherein: the front panel comprises a first plurality of intake ducts;and the back panel is configured to transition from a first slack stateto a second inflated state subsequent to air entering the firstplurality of intake ducts, wherein the second inflated state increasesair resistance to ground locomotion of the wearer.
 18. The apparel itemof claim 17, wherein the first plurality of intake ducts comprise flapscreated in the material used to form the front panel.
 19. The apparelitem of claim 17, wherein the first plurality of intake ducts are influid communication with a space between an inner-facing surface of theapparel item and a wearer's body when the apparel item is in an as-wornconfiguration.
 20. The apparel item of claim 17, wherein the apparelitem is formed from a material that is substantially impervious to air.